The oasis effect in bathroom design

Re-create nature in your bathroom, with hot tips on what’s trending in bathroomware right now. The experts at Oakleys Plumbing Supplies tell us what their customers can’t get enough of.

The evolution of bathroom design is more than just aesthetics. It includes technological advancements, sustainability and water saving considerations, a reflection of shifting societal values as well as exciting new finishes and textures.

Industry leaders are cohesively tying all these factors into the development of new products.

Oakleys’ Architectural Consultant Lisa King-Turner says the “oasis effect” is a commonly requested theme of late, one that incorporates all of these considerations.

“Homeowners want a calming, private space that links them to the natural world and provides a luxurious personal care experience. This is something can be achieved on any budget,” she says.

STONE BATHS

The Oasis bath from Progetto is a prime example of a product well suited to this aesthetic. The manufacture of the bath means the stone composite has a soft touch and is non porous, keeping water warmer for longer and preventing constant refills when you just can’t bear to return to the grind of the real world.

The finishes are inspired by nature, including lake blue, punga green, gravel, basalt and coral pink. “A real break away from the white-only bath of the past.”

SOAKING TUBS

“The other bath type that we have constant requests for is the soaking tub,” Lisa says. “Copper French tubs, upright stone baths with inbuilt seats and Japanese soaking tubs are all popular.”

Often these are placed in ensuites as a space-saving luxury that can be enjoyed by the parents of the home but still allow for a traditional style bath in the family bathroom for children, grandchildren or guests.

CURVED VANITIES

The organic curves of baths are now also found in vanities and bathroom furniture. The gentle contours take the harsh edges off vanities and sit harmoniously with other bathroomware, most of which also feature sweeping silhouettes.

“The Tondo Largo is a favourite at the moment. We have it on display in a walnut finish and it catches everyone’s eyes as they come in the showroom,” Lisa says.

The New Zealand made vanity has laminate timber fronts, soft closing drawers and a solid surface top with a recessed bowl which is formed with the top so there are no extra joins or edges and the top flows as smoothly as the body of the vanity.

FLUTED VANITIES

Fluting on vanities mimics the grandeur of ancient Doric columns and can be presented in a number of ways from subtle indentations to more rolling corrugated-type patterns.

Lisa says these can vary in price, but the new fluted St Michel Misura vanity is hitting the mark with its fresh take on the latest decorative vanity front trends but also its sharp pricing. Metal handles, storage systems and a console top deliver a modern edge to the ornate drawer fronts.

COLOURFUL TOILETS

Interesting colourways are flowing through to other bathroomware items too, even toilet pans.

The Go Silent toilet from Italian manufacturer Flaminia has a wall-hung pan that is available in seven finishes including a green and red hue. Technological advancements have been incorporated here too with a rimless design for easy cleaning and reduction of flushing noise.

“Toilets are often overlooked in bathroomware selection, with interesting finishes, textures and thought put into vanities and furniture only to be pared with a simple white toilet suite. It’s refreshing to see the range of pans that are now available and how our customers are embracing the choice.”

LUXURIOUS SHOWER SYSTEMS

“Everyone wants a luxurious rain shower experience but water saving technology is also a prime concern,” Lisa says. “This is why the Hansgrohe’s Axor One tapware and showering system has been popular. It also has contemporary styling so is an attractive product to new home builders.”

The Axor One range is operated with the touch of a button or with a simple mixer and provides the full water experience while only consuming a maximum of 5 L/min.

“It mixes generous quantities of air into the water so the droplets are luxurious and soothing on the skin and cause less splash.”

ETCHED TAPWARE

“Etching on mixers has been popular in the past few years as a way to add a touch of elegance and texture to something that is a necessary bathroom component,” Lisa says. “There are several brands releasing new product with elegant new designs but a favourite has been the Pettine collection which has etching in vertical lines to mimic the fluting seen in vanities and baths.”

The swivel mixer is streamlined and contemporary, controlling water flow and temperature accurately.

DISC MIXER

Deck mounted basin mixers usually come as one piece with a mixer on the side of the spout. However, Lisa says there has been a move to 2-hole mixers with a swivel mixer sitting separate of the spout.

“Some have handles, others look like a hockey puck and rotate left and right for temperate, and rock front to back for volume. They are streamlined and elegant and mean you can place the mixer where you like, left or right or at a greater distance from the spout than is usual.”

Two popular examples are the Buddy Zero from Progetto and the Pan Basin Mixer from Zucchetti.

“The are available in delicious colours too, like Champagne and Chocolate,” Lisa says.  

Contact details:

Oakleys Plumbing Supplies
03 544 0392
https://www.oakleysplumbing.co.nz/